British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to unveil the UK’s largest sanctions package yet against Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet,” announcing restrictions on 100 oil tankers allegedly used by the Kremlin to dodge global trade bans.

Speaking at the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) summit in Oslo on Friday, Starmer said the sanctions would target vessels responsible for transporting over US$24 billion in oil since the start of 2024.

“This is the biggest step we’ve taken to destroy Putin’s shadow fleet operation,” Starmer said. “We will starve his war machine of oil revenues and protect the subsea infrastructure that we rely on for our everyday lives.”

The UK government says the move aims to cut off funding for Russia’s war in Ukraine, protect European infrastructure, and reduce the environmental risks posed by aging and poorly maintained vessels in the fleet.“The threat from Russia to our national security cannot be underestimated,” Starmer warned, vowing continued pressure until peace is achieved.

“Every step we take to increase pressure on Russia is another step towards security and prosperity in the UK.”British officials say the fleet, run by Putin’s inner circle, is not only fueling the Kremlin’s war efforts but also endangering European waters.

They described the ships as “languishing” and “recklessly operated,” posing a danger to critical infrastructure.UK assessments show that since 2022, Russia’s oil and gas revenues have dropped by more than a third, with sanctions playing a major role.

The Russian economy is reportedly straining under the weight of sanctions, rising inflation, and soaring military spending.

The announcement coincides with a planned declaration by JEF leaders to deepen their partnership with Ukraine. The 10-nation military coalition – comprising the UK, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden – is expected to reaffirm its support for Kyiv and further isolate Moscow.